Step by step
- Find out whether your job is a reglementierter Beruf — a profession that requires proof of qualification. Most professions are not regulated.
- Open the Anerkennungs-Wegweiser at berufsanerkennung.at: it shows the right procedure and authority.
- Book an appointment at the AST (Anlaufstelle) — free advice for people with foreign qualifications. In Vienna by appointment only.
- Non-regulated job: order a Bewertung — an evaluation of your degree from ENIC NARIC Austria (online). It is not an official decision, but employers immediately see your level.
- Regulated profession, or you need the Austrian academic title: apply for Berufsanerkennung or Nostrifizierung at a university — only one university at a time.
- Always bring your Anerkennungsbescheid or Bewertungsgutachten to your AMS appointments.
What to bring
- Passport
- Diploma — for Nostrifizierung always the original
- Transcript of courses and grades, study plan — original or beglaubigte Abschrift (certified copy)
- Beglaubigte Übersetzung — certified translation of all non-German documents (English ones usually need none)
- For Nostrifizierung: a statement of your intended job in Austria
Common mistakes
Confusing Bewertung with Anerkennung: an evaluation does not entitle you to work in a regulated profession.
Applying for Nostrifizierung when you do not need it: the university requires proof that recognition is really necessary.
Documents were lost while fleeing — and people give up. Under the AuBG your qualification can be established in other ways: an exam, a work sample, an expert interview. Ask the AST.
Words you will meet
die Anerkennungrecognition
die Bewertungevaluation (non-binding)
die Nostrifizierungrecognition of a foreign degree as equivalent to an Austrian one
der reglementierte Berufregulated profession
die beglaubigte Übersetzungcertified translation
Official sources
- berufsanerkennung.at — Verfahren zur Anerkennung
- berufsanerkennung.at — Wichtige Begriffe
- berufsanerkennung.at — Anerkennungs- und Bewertungsgesetz
- berufsanerkennung.at — Beratung (AST)
- oesterreich.gv.at — Nostrifizierung
Checked: 2026-10-07. This is a plain-language summary of official information, not legal advice. Deadlines and amounts change — check the linked official sources before you go.